Chute lockout device and methods

ABSTRACT

A lockout device for an opening of a collection box, such as a postal collection box. The lockout device can include a cover sized to block the opening to prevent access to the contents of the collection box through the opening. In one example, the cover can be assembled over the opening and a locking pin can be inserted through apertures in the lateral sides of the opening walls and lateral sides of the cover. The locking pin can be lock in place using a lock and lock guard. In another example, the cover includes an internal extension assembly with clamping mechanisms that can engage with the lateral sides of the opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 63/085,048, filed Sep. 29, 2020, titled “CHUTE LOCKOUT DEVICE ANDMETHODS,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

This application generally relates to systems and methods for locking anopening in an item collection chute.

BACKGROUND

Distribution networks and logistics systems can use collection boxes invarious locations for receiving distribution items. These collectionboxes serve as depositories for senders to deposit letters, packages, orother items that can later be picked up by the distribution network forprocessing. A distribution network may desire to close or lock acollection box, or to prevent a sender from depositing an item.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure is a lockout device for an opening of acollection box. The lockout device can be sized to block the opening toprevent access to the contents of the collection box through theopening. The lockout device can be removably assembled across theopening.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the lockout devicesincludes a cover having first and second apertures. The cover caninclude a front face that block the opening, when installed therewith.The cover can be assembled over the opening either within or around oneor more plates bounding the opening. The first and second apertures canbe aligned with corresponding passages on the opening (e.g., on the oneor more plates).

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the lockout device canfurther include a lockout pin insertable through the first and secondapertures and the corresponding passages. A locking pin can then belocked in place using a conventional lock.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the locking pin can beused in conjunction with a lock guard. The lock guard can be formed of adurable material such as steel. The lock guard can include a lock slotthat prevents access to a shank portion of the lock on at least twosides. The lock slot in the lock guard can prevent the lock shank frombeing easily cut using bolt cutters or saws.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a method of forming thecorresponding passages around the opening. The opening can be bounded byfirst and second side plates. The method can include placing the coverover the opening with first and second side members of the cover beingaligned along the first and second side plates. The first and secondapertures can be aligned with first and second locations on the firstand second side plates. These locations can be marked. The methodfurther includes creating the corresponding passages in the first andsecond side plates at the marked locations. The passages can be cutusing a cutting or drilling process. In this manner, a conventionalopening of a collection box can be retrofitted to be used in conjunctionwith the lockout device having a locking pin described herein.

Another aspect to the disclosure is a lockout device that includes acover and further includes a clamping assembly for securing the coverwithin an opening. The opening can include opposite inner sides (e.g.,on the first and second side plates). The clamping assembly can includea clamping linkage. The clamping linkage can include first and secondextension members that are extendable and retractable relative to theopposite inner sides. In an extended configuration, the extensionmembers can engage with the inner opposite sides to secure the cover inplace within the opening. In a retracted configuration, the extensionmembers can be disengaged from the inner opposite sides to allow removalof the lockout device.

According to another aspect, the clamp linkage can include a movableshaft for extending and retracting the extension members. The clamplinkages and the extension members can be locked in place by securingthe movable shaft in place. The movable shaft can be secured by assemblyof a hasp or a lock with the movable shaft.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to belimiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the systems,devices, and methods and/or other subject matter described in thisapplication will become apparent in the teachings set forth below. Thesummary is provided to introduce a selection of some of the concepts ofthis disclosure. The summary is not intended to identify key oressential features of any subject matter described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various examples are depicted in the accompanying drawings forillustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limitingthe scope of the examples. Various features of different disclosedexamples can be combined to form additional examples, which are part ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 1A shows an example item receptacle including an opening.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an example lockout device.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the example lockout device.

FIG. 3A shows a rear perspective view of a cover of the lockout device.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of the cover of the lockout device.

FIG. 3C shows a cross-section view taken along the line 3C-3C in FIG.3B.

FIG. 4A shows a locking pin of the lockout device.

FIG. 4B shows a the locking pin of the lockout device coupled to a lock.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a lock guard of the lockout device.

FIG. 5B shows a top view of the lock guard.

FIG. 5C shows a rear end view of the lock guard.

FIG. 5D shows a bottom view of the lock guard.

FIG. 6A shows a top view of the lock guard assembled with an end of thelocking pin and a lock.

FIG. 6B shows a cross-section view taken along the line 6B-6B in FIG.6A.

FIG. 7A shows a side view of the lockout device installed within anopening of a collection chute.

FIG. 7B shows a front view of the lockout device of FIG. 7A installed inthe collection chute.

FIG. 8A shows a first step of installing a lockout device in acollection chute.

FIG. 8B shows a second step of installing a lockout device in acollection chute.

FIG. 9A shows an exploded view of an example lockout device.

FIG. 9B shows a section view of a cover of the lockout device.

FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of another example lockout device.

FIG. 10B shows a perspective view of the lockout device of FIG. 10A witha hasp removed.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of the lockout device of FIGS. 10A and10B.

FIG. 12A shows a retracted configuration of the clamping assembly of thelockout device of FIGS. 10A-11.

FIG. 12B shows an extended configuration of the clamping assembly of thelockout device of FIGS. 10A-12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various features and advantages of the systems, devices, and methodsof the technology described herein will become more fully apparent fromthe following description of the examples illustrated in the figures.These examples are intended to illustrate the principles of thisdisclosure, and this disclosure should not be limited to merely theillustrated examples. The features of the illustrated examples can bemodified, combined, removed, and/or substituted as will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the principlesdisclosed herein.

Distribution networks, such as the United States Postal Service (USPS)use collection boxes or item receptacles to allow senders to deposititems for induction into the distribution network. The item receptaclescan include an opening in the shape of a narrow slot or chute throughwhich items, such as individual packages, envelopes, flats, parcels, orother items, can be inserted into the item receptacle. A distributionnetwork may desire to close the opening of an item receptacle for avariety of reasons, for example, related to security, quality ofservice, etc. Further, the distribution network may desire to lock theopening shut such a party cannot access the opening or insert an iteminto the item receptacle. However, some types of collection boxes lackany cover for the opening or other means of closing the opening. Thecurrent disclosure describes example systems and methods for closing,locking, or otherwise securing item receptacles.

FIG. 1A shows an example item receptacle, a collection box 100 includingan item storage area 101 a and a chute 101 b. The chute 101 b has anopening 102 formed therein. The opening 102 allows items, such as mail,flats, envelopes, parcels, etc. to be inserted into the chute 101 b andthereby drop into the item storage area 101 a of the collection box 100.The opening 102 can be generally rectangular. The opening 102 can bebounded or partially bounded by a plurality of plates. For example, theopening 102 can be bounded by a first side plate 102 a, a second sideplate 102 b, an upper plate 102 c, and/or a lower plate 102 d. Thecollection box 100 can further include a lower wall 102 e on a bottomside of the chute 101 b leading into the item storage area 101 a.

The plurality of plates 102 a-d can each include flat and/or curvedsurfaces. The plurality of side plates 102 a-b can be formed of a metalmaterial, such as sheet or plate steel. The upper plate 102 c cangenerally be curved in a manner that orients the opening 102 generallydownwardly. This can prevent the collection of precipitation through theopening 102. One or more of the plurality of plates 102 a-d can beomitted. Particularly, the lower plate 102 d can be optional. A lowerside of the opening 102 can be contiguous with a lower wall 101 b of thechute.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example lockout device 200 usable in conjunctionwith the collection box 100 of FIG. 1A or with other item receptacles.When used in conjunction with the collection box 100, the lockout device200 can be assembled over and/or at least partially within the opening102 to block access to the contents within the item storage area 101 aand/or to prevent any party from inserting an item or object into thecollection box 100. The lockout device 200 can include a cover 210, alocking mechanism 230, and a lock guard 250 for use with a lock 202.

FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the lockout device 200 in conjunctionwith a lock 202. The lock 202 includes a shank 202 a and a body 202 b.The shank 202 a can include a u-shaped curved member. The shank 202 acan be formed of a metal, such as steel. The ends of the shank 202 a canbe fitted within the body 202 b through an upper surface thereof. Thebody 202 b can be generally a rectangular prism having a front side anda back side. The body 202 b can include internal locking mechanisms forsecuring and releasing the shank 202 a from the body 202 b. The lock 202can be a conventional lock (e.g., keyed or combination-type padlock) orany other type of lock. The lock 202 can be closed to attach with thelocking mechanism 230 and secure the cover 210 in place on the opening102. The lock 202 can be opened (e.g., with a key) to be removable fromthe locking mechanism 230 and allow removal of the cover 210 from theopening 102.

The cover 210 is configured to receive portions of a locking mechanism230 which, when used in conjunction with the cover 210, can lock thecover in place within the opening of the collection box 100. The lockingmechanism 230 includes a locking pin 220 and a lock guard 250. Thelocking pin 220 can include a first end 221, a second end 222 oppositethe first end 221 and a body portion 223 therebetween. The body portion223 can extend from the first end 221 to the second end 222. The lockingpin 220 can be inserted through openings formed in the cover and intothe lock guard 250. This will be described in greater detail below.

FIGS. 3A-C show views of the cover 210. The cover 210 includes aplurality of members including a first side member 211, a second sidemember 212, an upper member 213, a lower member 214, and/or a frontmember 215. The plurality of members of the cover 210 can be formedgenerally in a parallelepiped. The parallelepiped can be enclosed otherthan on a bottom portion (e.g., opposite the upper member 213) and/orrear portion (e.g., opposite the front portion 215). The cover 210 canbe formed from a single sheet (e.g., steel) with each of the pluralityof members folded into the parallelepiped shape. Accordingly, the cover210 can include a plurality of bends and/or spaces separating each ofthe plurality of members. Optionally, the cover 210 can include only asubset of the plurality of members. The cover 210 can have an overalllength L1.

The first side member 211 can include a flat plate portion. The flatplate portion can be formed of a sheet material. The first side member211 can be generally rectangularly shaped. The first member 211 can becoupled along one side with the front member 215. The first side member211 can be formed integrally with the front member 215. The first sidemember 211 can be coupled with the front member 215 by a bend. The firstside member 211 can be parallel with the second side member 212. Thefirst side member 211 can be perpendicular to the front member 215.

The second side member 212 can include a flat plate portion. The flatplate portion can be formed of a sheet material. The second side member212 can be generally rectangularly shaped. The second side member 212can be coupled along one side with the front member 215. The second sidemember 212 can be formed integrally with the front member 215. Thesecond side member 212 can be coupled with the front member 215 by abend. The second side member 212 can be perpendicular to the frontmember 215.

The first side member 211 can include a first aperture 211 a. The firstaperture 211 a can be circular or may have a different shape, such as arectangular, obround, or an irregular shape. The first aperture 211 acan extend through the first side member 211. The first aperture 211 acan be spaced from a perimeter of the first side member 211. The secondside member 212 can include a second aperture 212 a. The second aperture212 a can extend through the second side member 212. The second aperture212 a can be extended or be aligned with the first aperture 211 a. Thesecond aperture 212 a can have the same shape and/or diameter as thefirst aperture 211 a.

The front member 215 can be generally rectangular in shape. The frontmember 215 can be formed of a sheet material. The front member 215 cancomprise a planar portion adjoining the first and second side members211, 212. The front member 215 can include a writing thereon such as“temporarily closed” or other instructions for the lockout device 200.The front member 215 can include a continuous expanse of material fromthe first side member 211 to the second side member 212.

The lower member 214 can be formed of a sheet material. The lower member214 can be connected with a lower side of the front member 215 (e.g., ata bend). The lower member 214 can include an L-shaped portion. The lowermember 214 can include a first portion 214 a and a second portion 214 b.The first portion 214 a can be coupled with the second portion 214 bbeing along a bend. The two portions can be generally perpendicular. Thefirst portion 214 a can extend in a generally rearward direction fromthe front panel member 215. The second portion 214 b can extendgenerally downwardly from the first portion 214 a. Each of the first andsecond portions 214 a and/or 214 b can be located between or at leastpartially between the first and second side members 211, 212. One orboth of the first and second side members 211, 212 can include a notchor cutout region corresponding generally to the profile of the lowermember 214.

The upper member 213 can be formed of a sheet material. The upper member213 can include a curved profile having a raised curvature R1, as shownin FIG. 3C. The curved profile of the upper member 213 can be generallyformed to correspond to curvature of the upper plate 102 c of theopening 102. The curvature can ensure that there is a close fit betweenthe cover 210 and the upper plate 102 c. This can facilitate the securefit and attachment of the cover 210 with the opening 102. The curvedprofile of the upper member 213 can be uniform from the first sidemember 211 to the second side member 212.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the locking mechanism 230 can include alocking pin 220 and a padlock guard 250. As shown further in FIGS.4A-4B, the locking pin 220 can include a first end 221, a second end 222opposite the first end 221, and a body portion 223 therebetween. Thebody portion 223 can extend from the first end 221 to the second end222. The locking pin 220 can have an overall length L2. In someembodiments, the length L2 can be greater than the overall length L1 ofthe cover 210.

FIGS. 4A-4B show detail of the locking pin 220. The first end 221 of thelocking pin 220 can include an orifice 225. The orifice 225 can be apassage extending through the body portion 223. The orifice 225 can havea diameter or dimension sized to receive the shank 202 a of the padlock202 therethrough. The second end 222 of the locking pin 220 can includea stop 224. The stop 224 can be a transverse portion of the locking pin220, relative to the body portion 223. The stop 224 can have a diameterlarger than a diameter of the body portion 223. The stop 224 canoptionally be a cylindrical member or have a differently shapedcross-sectional profile having at least one dimension greater than thediameter of the body portion 223 (e.g., in a transverse directionrelative to an axis of the body portion 223). The stop 224 can furtherhave a diameter larger than a diameter of the first and/or secondapertures 211 a, 212 a such that the stop 224 prevents the second end222 of the locking pin 220 from passing through the first and/or secondaperture 211 a, 212 a.

The body portion 223 can have a diameter or other widthwise dimension.The diameter of the body portion 223 at the first end 221 and along thebody portion 223 can be less than diameters or other dimensions of thefirst and second apertures 211 a, 212 a such that first end and the bodyportion 223 can be inserted at least partially into the cover throughthe first and/or second apertures 211 a, 212 a. Optionally, thecross-sectional shape of the body portion 223 may not be circular, butcan be some other shape or profile. The cross sectional shape of thebody portion 223 can vary or be uniform from the first end 221 (e.g.,orifice 225) to the second end 222 (e.g., stop 224).

FIGS. 5A-5D show details of the lock guard 250. The lock guard 250 caninclude a body portion 251. The body portion 251 can be formed of asolid material, such as steel or another metal. The body portion 251 canhave a generally cylindrical profile or any other shape.

The body portion 251 can include a lock slot 252. The lock slot 252 candivide the lock body into a generally U-shaped configuration. The bodyportion 251 can include a first wing member 251 a and a second wingmember 251 b separated by the lock slot 252. An intermediate portion 251c can be located between the first and second wing portions 251 a, 251b. The intermediate portion 251 c can include a shank opening 253. Theshank opening 253 can include a diameter sized to receive a shank 202 aof the lock 202.

The lock slot 252 can include several internal volumes or regions forreceiving different portions of the lock 202. The lock slot 252 caninclude an outer portion 252 a, an upper portion 252 b, and/or a lowerportion 252 c. The various portions of the lock slot 252 can beoverlapping.

The outer portion 252 a can be located between the first and second wingportions 251 a, 251 b and outward of the intermediate portion 251 c. Theupper portion 252 b can be located between the first and second wingportions 251 a, 251 b and above the intermediate portion 251 c. Thelower portion 252 c can be located between the first and second wingportions 251 a, 251 b and below the intermediate portion 251 c. Theshank opening 253 can extend between the upper portion 252 b and thelower portion 252 c.

The body portion 251 can include a pin aperture 256. The pin aperture256 can extend through an end portion of the body portion 251. The pinaperture 256 can be in communication with the lock slot 252, althoughthis is not required. The pin aperture 256 can be connected with theshank opening 253. The pin aperture 256 can have a cross-sectionalshape, as shown in FIG. 5C, sized to receive the first end 221 of thelocking pin 220.

FIGS. 6A-6B show the lock guard secured to a locking pin 220 by a lock202. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the first end 221 of the locking pin 220can be inserted within the lock guard 250. The first end 221 with theorifice 225 can be inserted through the pin aperture 256. The orifice225 can be aligned with the shank opening 253. The lock 202 can bereceived within the lock slot 252. The shank 202 a can be inserted intothe shank opening 253 and the orifice 225 to secure the locking pin 220with the lock guard 250. The shank 202 a can be inserted through theshank opening 253 and the orifice 225 and into the body 202 b of thelock 202.

The top and bottom of the body portion 251 aligned with the lock slot252 can be opened to allow the shank 202 a and the body 202 b to bepositioned within the lock slot 252 and removed therefrom. An upperportion of the body 202 b can be received within the lower portion 252 cof the lock slot 252. Accordingly, the lower portion 252 c can include aheight and width sized to receive the upper portion of the lock body 202b. A portion of the shank 202 a can be positioned within the upperportion 252 b of the lock slot 252. Accordingly, the upper portion 252 bcan include a height and width sized to receive the portion of the shank202 a. A portion of the shank 202 a and the body 202 b can be positionedwithin the outer portion 252 a of the lock slot 252. The first andsecond wing portions 251 a, 251 b can be positioned along front and backsides of the shank 202 a and/or the lock body 202 b (or at least anupper portion thereof). Accordingly, the first and second wing portions251 a, 251 b can prevent access to the front and back of the shank 202a. This can protect the shank portion 202 a from being cut or sawed inan attempt to remove the lock guard 250 without unlocking the lock 202.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the lockout device 200 installed over the opening102 of a collection box 100, as shown in FIG. 1A. The cover 210 can beinstalled over the opening 102. The front member 215 of the cover 210can be a blocking member that can block the opening 102 (shown indash-dash broken lines in FIG. 7A) to prevent access thereto. The uppermember 213 can be installed over the upper plate 102 c. The upper member213 can generally follow the contours of the upper plate 102 c. Theupper member 213 can fit flush over the upper plate 102 c. The firstside member 211 can be installed over the first side plate 102 a of theopening 102. The first side member 211 can fit flush over the secondside plate 102 a. The second side member 212 can be installed over thesecond side plate 102 b of the opening 102. The second side member 212can fit flush over the second side plate 102 b. The first portion 214 aof the lower member 214 can fit over the lower plate 102 d. The firstportion 214 a can fit flush against the lower plate 102 d. The secondportion 214 b can be aligned along a bottom plate 102 e of the chute 101b. The second portion 214 b can fit flush against the bottom plate 102e. The closeness of the fit between the cover 210 and the plurality ofsidewalls of the opening 102 can stabilize the position of the cover 210over the opening 102. The closeness of the fit can prevent unauthorizedaccess around the sides, top or bottom of the cover 210.

Alternatively, the cover 210 can fit within the opening 102. In anotheralternative, the cover 210 can include one or more portions that fitover the plurality of sidewalls of the opening 102 and one or moreportions that fit within the opening 102. Optionally, the cover 210 caninclude one more flanges that are larger/wider than the opening 102. Inone example, the flanges can extend from the front face 215 andgenerally perpendicular to any of the side member 211, side member 212,upper member 213, and/or lower member 214. The flanges can be locatedgenerally co-planar with the front member 215. The flanges can preventthe cover 210 from falling into the chute 101 b through the opening 102.

FIG. 8A shows a first step in installing the lockout device 200 withinan opening 102. In some cases, the collection box 100 may not include ahole or aperture in the side plates 102 a-b. In order to install thecover 210, a hole may need to be created in the side plates 102 a-b.This first step may only be performed one time for a given collectionbox 100. The cover 210 can be installed over the opening 102. The firstside member 211 and the first aperture 211 a can be aligned with thefirst side plate 102 a. The location where the first aperture 211 aaligns with the first side plate 102 a can be marked. Similarly, thesecond side member 212 can be aligned with the second side plate 102 b.The location of alignment of the second aperture 212 a with the secondside plate 102 b can be marked. Thereafter, using a drill or othercutting or boring instrument, the marked areas of the first and secondside plates 102 a, 102 b material can be removed to form respectivepassages corresponding to the sizes of the first and second apertures211 a, 212 a and/or corresponding to the sizes of a diameter of thelocking pin 220. Once this passage making step has first been performedfor a collection box 100, the cover 210 can simply be installed over theopening 102 and the passages of the side plates. In anotherimplementation, the cover 210 can instead be place inside of the opening102 (e.g., within the side, top, and bottom plates). The marking andremoving methodology can be repeated with this variation.

FIG. 8B shows a second step of inserting the locking pin 220 through thepassages and the cover 210. The first end 221 can be inserted throughthe first aperture 211 a, the passage of the first side plate 102 a, thepassage of the second side plate 102 b and into the second aperture 212a. Since the length L2 of the locking pin 220 is greater than the lengthL1 of the cover 210 (FIGS. 3B and 4A), the first end 221 of the lockingpin 220 will protrude from the second aperture 212 a. The stop mechanism224 with prevent further advancing of the locking pin 220 after acertain point. Optionally, the protruding first end 221 can be insertedinto the lock guard 250 (e.g., into the receiving pin aperture 256). Thelock 202 can be shackled with the locking pin 220 at the orifice 225.Once locked in place by the lock 202, the locking pin 220 cannot beretracted back through the cover 210 because of interference with theshank 202 a. Furthermore, the locking pin 220 cannot be advanced becauseof interference with the stop member 224 on the locking pin 220, thestop member 224 having a greater diameter than the passages and/or firstand second apertures 211 a, 212 a. Accordingly, the cover 210 can belocked in place over the opening 102 by the locking mechanism 230.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show an embodiment of a lockout device 300. The lockoutdevice 300 can include a cover 310. The cover 310 can generally have thesame components as the cover 210 with the differences noted herein. Thecover 310 can include a first side member 311, a second side member 312,a lower member 314, an upper member 313 and/or front member 315.Apertures can be located in the first and second side members 311, 312.A locking mechanism can include a pin member 320. The pin member 320 caninclude a first end 321 including an orifice and second end 322including a stop 324. The stop 324 may include a washer 325. The washer325 can be separate from the stop 324 and/or the cover 310. The washer325 can have an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the stop 324and an inner diameter larger than the locking pin 320 but smaller thanthe diameter of the stop 324. The locking mechanism can further includea lock guard 350 and/or a lock 302. As shown in FIG. 9B, the cover 310can include the upper member 313 having a raise of curvature R2. Radiusof curvature R2 can differ from the radius of curvature R1 of the uppermember 213. The curvature of the upper member 313 can be selected basedon the geometry of the opening of the collection box.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate an embodiment of a lockout device 400. Thelockout device 400 can include a cover 410. The cover 410 can be shapedsimilar to the cover 210 described above. The cover 410 can be generallyformed as a rectangular parallelepiped having an open bottom and/or rearportion. The cover 410 can include a first side member 411, a secondside member 412, an upper member 413, a lower member 414, and a frontmember 415. The cover 410 can be formed of a single sheet or platematerial with each of the corresponding members formed by bended cornersin the sheet material.

The lockout device 400 can be locked in conjunction with a hasp 450. Thehasp 450 can include an eyelet member 451 and/or a slot member 452. Theeyelet member 451 can be coupled with the front member 415. The eyeletmember 451 can protrude transversely from the front member 415. Theeyelet member 451 can include an aperture. The aperture can be sized forreceiving a shank 402 a of a lock 402.

The hasp 450 can include a slot member 452. The slot member 452 caninclude a slotted portion 454. The slotted portion 454 can include aslot. The slot can be received over the eyelet portion 451. The slotmember 452 can include a lock end 455. The lock end 455 can be locatedat one end of the slotted portion 454. The lock end 455 can include acup-portion. The cup-portion can be formed by one or more flanges benttowards the front member 415 (as installed). The lock end 455 caninclude a pin 456. The pin 456 can be a cylindrical member extendingfrom the lock end 455. The pin 456 can be located on an inner side ofthe lock end 455 (such as within the cup-portion).

The lockout device 400 can include a shaft control end 461. The shaftcontrol end 461 can be pivotably mounted on the cover 410. The shaftcontrol end 461 can be in the form of a wheel having a plurality ofapertures located at intervals around a perimeter of the wheel. Theshaft control end 461 can be mounted with an end bolt 462.

FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of the lockout device 400 and FIGS.12A-B depicts a clamping assembly disposed within the lockout device400. The lockout device 400 can include an extension assembly 480 forsecuring the locking cover 410 within the opening 102. The extensionassembly 480 can include a brace member 470. The brace member 470 caninclude a first side member 471. The first side member 471 can include afirst aperture 471 a. The brace member 470 can include a second sidemember 472. The second side member 472 can have a second aperture 472 a.The first and second apertures 471 a and 472 a can be aligned. The firstside member 471 can be coupled at a first end of a front member 473. Thesecond side member 472 can be connected at an opposite end with thefront member 473 from the first member 471. The first member 471 can begenerally perpendicular with the front member 473. The second member 472can be generally perpendicular with the front member 473. The bracemember 470 can be formed of a single sheet of a plate material havingone or more bends to form the first and second side members 471, 472.The front member 473 can include an aperture 473 a for receiving a shaft464. The aperture 473 a can be aligned with an aperture 415 a in thefront member 415.

The extension assembly 480 can include a linkage assembly. A first sideof the linkage assembly can include a first link 481. The first link 481can include first and second ends 481 a, 481 b. The first end 481 a canbe pivotally coupled with a piston member 483. The piston member 483 canbe slidingly engaged with a guide or piston cylinder 485. The pistoncylinder 485 can comprise a cylindrical member having an aperturetherein. The aperture can include a circular or other cross-sectionalshapes that receives the cross-sectional shapes of the piston member483. The cylinder member 485 can be mounted on the first side member 471such as within the aperture 415 a. The piston member 483 can be coupledwith an extension member 487. One end of the extension member 487 caninclude a shaft that engages with a thread on the piston member 483. Onopposite end of the extension member 487 can include an enlarged planarportion. The planar portion can include a rubberized surface orotherwise roughened or textured outer face.

The second end 481 b of the first link 481 can be pivotally coupled witha nut 489. The nut 489 can include an interior aperture 489 a. Theinterior aperture 489 a can include one or more internal threads.

A second side of the linkage assembly can include a second link 482. Thesecond link 482 can be equivalent to the first link. The second link 482can include ends 482 a, 482 b, a second piston member 484 slidinglymounted in a second piston cylinder 486, and a second extension member488. The second piston cylinder 486 can be mounted on the second sidemember 472 such as within the second aperture 472 a. The second pistonmember 484 can reciprocate within the second piston cylinder 486. Thesecond link 482 can be coupled on the first and second ends 482 a, 482 bwith the second piston member 484 and the nut 489, respectively.

The extension assembly 480 can include a shaft 464 for actuating thelinkage assembly between an extended configuration and a retractedconfiguration. The shaft 464 can include a first end 464 a. The firstend 464 a can include an anti-rotation end shape (e.g., square). Thefirst end 464 a can include a seat having one or more internal threads.The shaft 464 can include a first portion 464 b. The first portion 464 bcan include a smooth outer surface and/or circular cross-sectionalshape. The shaft 464 can include a ridge 464 c. The ridge 464 c can be araised circumferential portion. The shaft 464 can include a secondportion 464 d. The second portion 464 d can include a threaded regionhaving one or more threads in the manner of a screw. The second portion464 d can be separated from the first portion 464 b by the ridge 464 c.A second end 464 e of the shaft 464 can include a tapered portion. Thesecond end 464 e can be cylindrical in cross-section.

The extension assembly 480 can include a sleeve 463. The sleeve 463 canbe a cylindrical member having an aperture therethrough. The sleeve 463can be mounted on the shaft 464. The sleeve 463 can be mounted on thefirst portion 464 b and abut the ridge 464 c.

The extension assembly 480 can include a shaft support 465. The shaftsupport 465 can include first and second support members 465 a, 465 b.The first and second support members 465 a, 465 b can include transversemounting flanges for coupling with the front member 415. The first andsecond support members 465 a, 465 b can be generally formed in aU-shape. An intermediate portion 465 c can bridge the first and secondsupport members 465 a, 465 b. The first and second support members 465a, 465 b can be generally parallel. The first and second support members465 a, 465 b can be orthogonal to the intermediate portion 465 c. Theintermediate portion 465 c can include a circular opening 465 d.

The opening 465 c can receive the second end 464 e. The function of theshaft support 465 is to steady rotation of the shaft 464 by providingtwo pivot locations at 465 c and at 415 a. Thus, the shaft 464 canrotate in place.

In an assembled configuration of the extension assembly 480, the bracemember 470 can be assembled with the cover 410. The front member 473 canbe aligned with the front member 415 and optionally attached theretousing mechanical fastening implements. The first and second side members471, 472 can be aligned between the first and second side members 411,412. The extension members 487, 488 can face outward towards therespective first and second side members 411, 412. In the retractedconfiguration, spaces 491, 492 can be located between the extensionmembers 487, 488 and the respective first and second side members 411,412.

The first end 464 a of the shaft 464 can be mounted through the aperture415 a in the front member 473. The first end 464 a can be coupled withthe shaft control end 461. The shaft control end 461 can include aninner aperture that receives the first end 464 a in a non-rotationalmanner. The shaft control end 461 can be coupled with the shaft 464through the non-rotational coupling. The end bolt 462 can be mounted inthe first end 464 a to secure the shaft control end 461 to the shaft464.

The sleeve 463 can control a spacing between the shaft control end 461and the front face of the front member 415. The sleeve 463 can be abushing that can facilitate rotation of the shaft 464 relative to thefront member 473 and/or 473. The second end 464 a of the shaft 464 canbe supported by the shaft support 465. The first and second supportmembers 465 a, 465 b can be coupled (on the flanges) with the frontmember 473 on either side of the aperture 473 a. The intermediateportion 465 c can be aligned with the shaft 464. The opening 465 d canreceive the second end 464 e of the shaft and be pivotally mountedtherein. The function of the shaft support 465 can steady rotation ofthe shaft 464 by providing two pivot locations at 465 c and at 415 a.

The nut 489 can be mounted on the second portion 464 d. The secondportion 464 d can be located within the aperture 489 a. Threads of thenut 489 can engage with threads of the second portion 464 d. Rotation ofthe shaft 464 (e.g., through the shaft control end 461) can translatethe nut 489 along an axis of the shaft 464. The first and second links481, 482 can be coupled with the nut 489. The first and second links481, 482 can also be coupled with the piston member 483, 484,respectively.

In operation, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, rotation of the shaft 464in a first direction translates the nut 489 along the second portion 464d in a first direction to extend the extension members 487, 488 throughthe links 481, 482 towards the respective side members 411, 412. Thetranslation of the nut 489 can cause translation of the extension member487 and the piston 483 through the link 481. The shaft 464 can berotated by engagement with the shaft control end 461 on an exterior sideof the front member 415. Rotation of the shaft 464 in a second(opposite) direction translates the nut 489 along the second portion 464d in a second direction to retract the extension members 487, 488through the links 481, 482 away from the respective side members 411,412. The translation of the nut 489 can cause translation of theextension member 488 and the second piston member 484 through the secondlink 482. Translation of the nut 489 can be limited by interference withthe ridge 464 c in a first direction and/or the intermediate portion 465c in a second direction. The first and second support members 465 a, 465b can engage with and guide the movement of the nut 489. The supportmembers 465 a, 465 b can prevent rotation of the nut 489 with therotation of the shaft 464.

The cover 410 can be installed over the plurality of sides of theopening 102. The first side plate 102 a can be received within the space491. In the extended configuration, the extension member 487 can engagean inner side of the side plate 102 a to secure the lockout device 400within the opening 102. The second side plate 102 b can be receivedwithin the space 492. The extension member 488 can engage an inner sideof the side plate 102 b to secure the lockout device 400 within theopening 102. The extension assembly 480 can be transitioned to theretracted configuration to release the cover 410 from the opening 102 inthe reverse manner.

The extension assembly 480 can be locked in the extended configuration.In the locked configuration (FIG. 12B), the pin 456 mounted on the hasp450 can engage with the shaft control end 461 to secure it againstrotation. The shaft control end 461 can received the pin 456 with thelock end 455 assembled over the shaft control end 461. The slottedportion 454 can be assembled over the eyelet member 451. The lock 402can be coupled with opening in the eyelet member 451 to secure the hasp450 closed. Thereby the lock 402 can lock rotation of the shaft 464 andsecure the extension assembly 480 in the extended configuration. Thelock end 455 mounted over the shaft control end 461 can also shield theshaft control end 461 and/or the pin 456 from tampering.

A method using the lockout device 400 includes assembling the cover 410over the opening 102 with the first and second side plates 102 a, 102 blocated in the spaces 491, 492, respectively, rotating the shaft 464 totransition the extension assembly 480 into the extended configurationengaged with inner sides of the first and second side plate 102 a, 102b. The hasp 450 can be assembled with the front member 415 and locked inplace. The pin 456 can block rotation of the shaft 464 by engaging withthe shaft control end 461. The lock can secure the hasp 450 in place.Removal of the lockout device 400 can include the reverse of thesesteps.

The lockout device 400 provides various advantages. The lockout device400 does not require altering the plates that bound the opening 102.Accordingly, the lockout device 400 can be more quickly and easilyinstalled on a collection box. The lockout device 400 can also be usedin a variety of different locations and avoid permanently damaging oraltering collection boxes or chutes. This can be particularlyadvantageous where locking collection boxes is done only on a temporarybasis. The lockout device 400 is also adjustable. The extension assembly480 can be tightened to fit secure on a given opening.

Another advantage is the design of the link assembly. As the nut 489moves towards the ridge 464 c, the first and second ends 481 a, 481 b ofthe link 481 begin to align. As the first and second ends 481 a, 481 balign, the mechanical advantage of the link assembly increases. At thealignment point of the nut 489 with the first and second ends 481 a, 481b, the nut 489 can impose a theoretical infinite mechanical advantage onthe piston members. In the real world, this position can represent aspike in the forces on the piston members. Optionally, the

Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “proximal,”“distal,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end,” are used in the contextof the illustrated example. However, the present disclosure should notbe limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientationsare possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relatingto circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should beunderstood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather shouldbe applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region thatcan be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally,such as “circular,” “cylindrical,” “semi-circular,” or“semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required toconform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylindersor other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonablyclose approximations.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examplesinclude or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps.Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply thatfeatures, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or moreexamples.

Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generallyintended to imply that certain examples require the presence of at leastone of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used hereinrepresent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs adesired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in someexamples, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately,”“about,” and “substantially,” may refer to an amount that is within lessthan or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as usedherein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantlyincludes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic.As an example, in certain examples, as the context may dictate, the term“generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactlyparallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees. All ranges are inclusiveof endpoints.

Summary

Several illustrative examples of lockout devices have been disclosed.Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certainillustrative examples and uses, other examples and other uses, includingexamples and uses which do not provide all of the features andadvantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of thisdisclosure. Components, elements, features, acts, or steps can bearranged or performed differently than described and components,elements, features, acts, or steps can be combined, merged, added, orleft out in various examples. All possible combinations andsubcombinations of elements and components described herein are intendedto be included in this disclosure. No single feature or group offeatures is necessary or indispensable.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context ofseparate implementations can also be implemented in combination in asingle implementation. Conversely, various features that are describedin the context of a single implementation also can be implemented inmultiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination.Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can insome cases be excised from the combination, and the combination may beclaimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devicesdisclosed or illustrated in one example in this disclosure can becombined or used with (or instead of) any other portion of any of thesteps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated ina different example or flowchart. The examples described herein are notintended to be discrete and separate from each other. Combinations,variations, and some implementations of the disclosed features arewithin the scope of this disclosure.

While operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in thespecification in a particular order, such operations need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or thatall operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Otheroperations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionaloperations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or betweenany of the described operations. Additionally, the operations may berearranged or reordered in some implementations. Also, the separation ofvarious components in the implementations described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and itshould be understood that the described components and systems cangenerally be integrated together in a single product or packaged intomultiple products. Additionally, some implementations are within thescope of this disclosure.

Further, while illustrative examples have been described, any exampleshaving equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, and/orcombinations are also within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover,although certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are describedherein, not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved inaccordance with any particular example. For example, some exampleswithin the scope of this disclosure achieve one advantage, or a group ofadvantages, as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages taught or suggested herein. Further, some examples mayachieve different advantages than those taught or suggested herein.

Some examples have been described in connection with the accompanyingdrawings. The figures are drawn and/or shown to scale, but such scaleshould not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than whatare shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosedinvention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do notnecessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layoutof the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/orrearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature,aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element,or the like in connection with various examples can be used in all otherexamples set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described hereinmay be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recitedsteps.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantagesand features of the inventions have been described herein. Not all, orany such advantages are necessarily achieved in accordance with anyparticular example of the inventions disclosed herein. No aspects ofthis disclosure are essential or indispensable. In many examples, thedevices, systems, and methods may be configured differently thanillustrated in the figures or description herein. For example, variousfunctionalities provided by the illustrated modules can be combined,rearranged, added, or deleted. In some implementations, additional ordifferent processors or modules may perform some or all of thefunctionalities described with reference to the examples described andillustrated in the figures. Many implementation variations are possible.Any of the features, structures, steps, or processes disclosed in thisspecification can be included in any example.

In summary, various examples of lockout devices and related methods havebeen disclosed. This disclosure extends beyond the specificallydisclosed examples to other alternative examples and/or other uses ofthe examples, as well as to certain modifications and equivalentsthereof. Moreover, this disclosure expressly contemplates that variousfeatures and aspects of the disclosed examples can be combined with, orsubstituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosureshould not be limited by the particular disclosed examples describedabove, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lockout device for an item receptacle,comprising: a cover sized and shaped to be installed on an opening of anitem receptacle, the cover comprising: a first side member having afirst aperture formed therethrough; a second side member opposite thefirst side member, the second side member having a second apertureformed therethrough; and a front face extending from the first sidemember to the second side member, the front face oriented to block theopening when the cover is installed; and a locking pin comprising: afirst end having an orifice configured to receive a shank of a lock; anda second end; wherein the locking pin is insertable into the first andsecond apertures to secure the cover in place over the opening of theitem receptacle.
 2. The lockout device of claim 1, wherein the firstside member of the cover is configured to be positioned along a firstside plate defining a first side of the opening and wherein the secondside member of the cover is configured to be positioned along a secondside plate defining a second side of the opening opposite the firstside.
 3. The lockout device of claim 2, wherein the first aperture isconfigured to be aligned with a first passage formed in the first sideplate and the second aperture configured to be aligned with a secondpassage formed in the second side plate such that the locking pin isinsertable through the first and second passages.
 4. The lockout deviceof claim 1, further comprising an upper member, wherein the front face,the upper member, and the first and second side members generally form arectangular parallelepiped having an open rear side, and wherein theupper member comprises a plate configured to extend along an upper platebounding the opening of the item receptacle, the plate having a curvedcross-sectional profile corresponding to a curvature of the upper plate.5. The lockout device of claim 1, further comprising a lower flangeabutting the front face, the lower flange configured to extend along alower plate bounding the opening of the item receptacle.
 6. The lockoutdevice of claim 5, wherein the lower flange comprises a first portionand a second portion in an L-shape, the first portion coupled with thefront face and extending rearwardly from the front face and the secondportion coupled with the first portion and extending downwardly from thefirst portion.
 7. The lockout device of claim 1, further comprising: alock guard, including: a receiving aperture; a lock slot configured toreceive a shank of a lock; and a shank opening; wherein the receivingaperture is configured to receive the first end of the locking pin suchthat the orifice is aligned with the shank opening within the lock slot;and wherein the lock guard blocks access to the shank on at least twosides when the shank is received within the lock slot.
 8. The lockoutdevice of claim 1, wherein the second end of the locking pin includes astop having at least one dimension larger than a corresponding dimensionof the first and second apertures perpendicular to a length of thelocking pin.
 9. A lockout device for an item receptacle, the devicecomprising: a cover including a front face configured to block anopening of the item receptacle; and an extension assembly including: afirst extension member coupled with a first link; a second extensionmember coupled with a second link; a shaft coupled with the cover; and anut coupled with the first and second links and coupled on the shaftsuch that movement of the nut along an axis of the shaft extends andretracts the first and second extension members in opposite directions;wherein the first and second extension members are configured to beinserted within the opening of the item receptacle such that the firstand second extension members engage opposite inner side plates of theopening to secure the front face in place, thereby blocking the opening.10. The lockout device of claim 9, wherein the shaft includes a threadand the nut engages the shaft such that rotation of the shaft moves thenut linearly along the axis of the shaft.
 11. The lockout device ofclaim 10, further comprising a hasp configured to be coupled with thefront face and engage a head of the shaft to block rotation thereof. 12.The lockout device of claim 10, wherein the first extension memberincludes a guide cylinder and a piston member, the guide cylindercoupled with a first side member of the cover, the piston memberslidingly engaged within the guide cylinder and pivotably coupled with afirst end of the first link, a second end of the first link pivotablycoupled with the nut.
 13. The lockout device of claim 12, wherein theopening is bounded by an upper plate, a lower plate, a first side plateand a second side plate and the cover includes the front face, an uppermember, a lower member, a first side member, and a second side member.14. The lockout device of claim 13, wherein the first side plate of theopening is received between the first extension member and the firstside member of the cover.
 15. A lockout device for an item receptacle,the device comprising: a cover including a rectangular parallelepipedhaving an open rear side, the cover configured to block an opening ofthe item receptacle; and a locking mechanism configured to be at leastpartially inserted within the opening to secure the cover in place. 16.The lockout device of claim 15, wherein the rectangular parallelepipedincludes a first side plate, a second side plate, front plate, an upperplate, and a lower plate, and wherein the first and second side plateseach include an aperture and the locking mechanism includes a pinconfigured to extend through the apertures and corresponding aperturesin a boundary of the opening.
 17. The lockout device of claim 16,wherein a first end of the locking pin includes a shank orifice and asecond end of the locking pin includes a stop configured to prevent thesecond end from passing through the apertures.
 18. The lockout device ofclaim 17, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a lock guardthat blocks access to at least two sides of a lock having a shankdisposed within the shank orifice.
 19. The lockout device of claim 18,wherein the shank prevents removal of the lock guard when the shank isdisposed within the shank orifice.
 20. The lockout device of claim 15,wherein the locking mechanism includes: a first extension member coupledwith a first link; a second extension member coupled with a second link;a shaft coupled with the cover; and a nut coupled with the first andsecond links and coupled on the shaft such that movement of the nutalong an axis of the shaft extends and retracts the first and secondextension members in opposite directions; wherein the first and secondextension members are configured to be inserted within the opening ofthe item receptacle such that the first and second extension membersengage opposite inner side plates of the opening to secure the coverin-place and blocking the opening.